The Rise of QR Payments in Travel
Across Southeast Asia, and particularly in Indonesia, QR code payments have become a dominant method for transactions. For tourists, they offer a convenient, fast, and often more cost-effective way to pay for everything from street food to hotel bookings,
eliminating the need to carry large amounts of cash. Indonesia has a national standardized system called QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard), which is accepted by millions of vendors nationwide. This widespread adoption has made travel seamless for many, but it has also created a new playground for cybercriminals who exploit the trust users place in this technology.
How the QR Code Scam Works
The primary scam, known as 'quishing' (QR phishing), is deceptively simple. Scammers physically place a fraudulent QR code sticker over a legitimate one at a payment point. This can happen at a restaurant table, a parking meter, a retail counter, or even a donation box at a place of worship. When an unsuspecting tourist scans the code, their payment is redirected to the scammer’s account instead of the merchant's. In other variations, the malicious QR code directs the user to a fake website that looks like a legitimate payment portal or bank login page, designed to steal financial information, passwords, and other sensitive data. Because QR codes hide the destination URL, it's difficult to spot the fraud until it's too late.
Red Flags to Watch For
Vigilance is the best defense against these scams. Before scanning any QR code, take a moment to inspect it physically. Look for signs of tampering, such as a sticker placed over another code. Be wary if the sticker appears new, poorly printed, or doesn't match the surrounding branding. After scanning but before confirming payment, your payment app will display the merchant's name. Always verify that this name matches the shop or service you are paying. If the name is unfamiliar, misspelled, or looks like a personal account, do not proceed with the payment. Also, be suspicious if scanning a payment QR code prompts you to download an application or enter login credentials; a legitimate QRIS payment will not ask for this information.
How to Protect Your Money Abroad
Kaspersky and other cybersecurity experts recommend several practical steps for travellers. First, always doublecheck the merchant details before authorizing a transaction. Use official payment apps for scanning QRIS codes, not your phone’s generic camera app, as payment apps often have better security features. Enable transaction notifications for your bank and payment apps so you are immediately alerted to any suspicious activity. Avoid using public Wi‑Fi for financial transactions; if you must, use a trusted VPN to encrypt your connection. It is also wise to use strong, unique passwords for all your travel and banking apps, and enable multi‑factor authentication wherever possible. Regularly reviewing your bank statements during and after your trip can help you spot and report any unauthorized charges quickly.
